Orlando's homeless population counted for census

Results of count to be released in April

In a massive undertaking, various agencies set out to get a snapshot of central Florida's homeless problem Wednesday.

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The Homeless Services Network, along with the University of Central Florida and other agencies, set out to uncover who are Orlando's homeless and what are their issues.

The group deployed hundreds to do a one-day count of the homeless by hitting every shelter, soup kitchen and homeless camp.

June Bush said he was just released from prison for burglary.

"Only think I got to say is 'Good luck,'" said Bush. "There are a lot of homeless people here."

According to the Homeless Services Network, there are an estimated 10,000 homeless adults in the area. The count jumps to 20,000 if the number of children in temporary shelters in motels is factored in.

"We can look at it and understand what resources we have as a region and counties, and think about how we can strategically deploy the funding that we do have to fill the gaps," said Homeless Services Network spokeswoman Cathy Jackson.

The agencies also said they will spot trends, such as seeing more homeless families like the Worthen family, who said their lives changed because of a job loss.

"I am going through it for a reason," said Jessica Worthen. "It's going to make my children stronger."

Last year in central Florida, about one in every five homeless people was a veteran, becoming another trend.

"It is rough," said Mike Driscoll. "I can't put a number on it from one to 100. It's rough."

The hope is that the number of homeless veterans will trend down in 2013.